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The Bridges This Generation Will Cross

Despite the validity of the mentioned changes that the generation of 128
could bring to videogaming, the previous points fail to touch on how this
group of systems will impact future generations, and the directions this
group of systems will force gaming to take in the future. For example,
parts of gaming as basic as the genres we classify them by will be
perpetually altered by the new technology. It's happened before more times
than many gamers realize. The adventure genre was revolutionized by the
revelation of 3D, as were RPGs. Nearly every genre you can think of has
been significantly changed by technology in the past. This will assuredly
happen once again as we stand on the brink of a new era, judging by the
incredible ability of developers to adapt genres to the technology. As
mentioned, gamers should keep a solid vigil for several genres to change in
the coming generation. As stated, fighting games will undergo positive
changes because of the technology. One of the loudest complaints of those
who denounce fighting games is that they're overly simplistic. With the
extraordinary power of this new set of super-systems, developers have the
power to rectify this problem. They have the power in their hands to
incorporate more strategy into their fighting games with the additions of
gameplay devices and broader 3D environments. Many genres will change in
this way. RPGs will feature more complex battle systems; adventure titles
will boast larger and more in-depth environments to survive; and next
generation racers will feature longer tracks and more sophisticated control
over the vehicle. The change of the very fabric of videogaming genres is a
huge responsibility that has historically been assigned to technology.

The next huge responsibility that this technology thrusts upon the
shoulders of major third parties is that these systems must teach the right
lessons to the industry itself. I believe the infamous 'PlayStation 9'
advertisement said it best when it broadcast those two tantalizing words,
"The Beginning." This is quite prophetic, as it perfectly illustrates that
these systems are the genesis of what electronic entertainment will become
in the future. As such, the games developed for these technological
monsters must use the available power for the proper purposes. Visuals are
nothing more than pretty pictures, and third parties need to realize that
the available hardware power must be used to create new experiences and
challenges for the gamer to enjoy. Because of the immense power of these
systems, the visuals will induce drool without a terrible amount of strain.
This generation has the taxing responsibility of teaching developers that
quality, and not solely visuals, can sell a title and propel it to
respectable sales. In this sense, the current group of systems holds the
future of the entire industry in its hands. The outcome and overall quality
of the titles produced for these consoles will mold future generations for
quite some time. Whether videogaming takes a turn towards art or a slide
towards big business is to be decided by the developers, but perhaps even
more by the consumers. What we buy as gamers determines what developers
produce, so the players of videogames have as much a role in determining the
future of gaming as anybody. If we purchase games of quality and
innovation, then that's what developers will be forced to make. However, if
we continue to throw dollars down the drain for mindless titles with nothing
to keep them afloat save their visuals, then third parties will adapt to
that and smile about it. After all, it's easier to produce tedious games
than masterpieces.

Amidst all the talk of changes to the industry, it's easy to lose sight of
what's truly important. That question that must be asked is this: will
gameplay really change in this generation? There will be those who
disagree, but I really don't think so. Not in the grand scheme of things,
anyway. The upcoming group of systems will not shatter a dimensional
barrier as the previous trio did, and we all still use controllers to
manipulate the action. Despite the improved aesthetic quality of the games
that are developed for these platforms, gameplay won't change all that much.
Granted, games will grow more developed and complex, but the nature of
gaming will stay the same. This may seem like picking nits, but we've seen
a gaming revolution in the last generation. PlayStation and company turned
videogaming upside down with the introduction of 3D; a claim that the
current group of systems can't make. However, this certainly doesn't mean
that these changes won't be there. These alterations will simply be less
evident, because of the similar nature of the technology. As much as the
industry and certain aspects of videogames may change because of this
generation, gameplay will not be revolutionized as it was by the 32-bit
systems. Now that videogames have long since attained the third dimension,
it would appear that console gaming has no land left to conquer (although
Sony, Sega and Nintendo are without a doubt working around the clock to
prove me wrong). Until videogames take a drastic turn in format (i.e.
virtual reality), gameplay will not be significantly altered. I suppose the
more things change, the more they stay the same.

Videogaming will take a very sharp turn in the handful of years that
128-bit systems rule the market. These beasts of technology will have a
significant impact on the industry in the future. Videogaming is standing
on the crossroads, and pondering which direction to take. One will take
this form of art to a previously unattained plateau of quality, and another
will take videogaming into the realm of big business where developers are
motivated by dollar signs alone. The bottom line is this: this generation
will dictate whether videogaming will forge a renaissance or be forced into
the doldrums. The genie has been released from the bottle, ladies and
gentlemen; there's no looking back now. This technology is like fire. Fire
can heat our homes and inspire fantastic curiosity, but if it's not properly
controlled and harvested, the damage is often irreversible. This technology
is a gift from the gaming gods, and while it shouldn't be feared, it also
needs to be treated with respect.